122 - Somme (Flers and Coucelette) - 15 September 1916

Historical background

The third offensive mounted by the British, during the battle of the Somme, was significant because it was the first use of tanks in warfare.The Mark I tanks were not ready for the first Somme offensive in July. But two and a half months later, when they did arrive, Haig quickly incorporated them into the 4th Army plan of attack. On 15 September, after struggling for almost two months to take High Wood and the Switch Line (a line of trenches that ran between High Woods and Flers), with tanks leading the way, these German positions were finally taken. Haig was now ready to execute his plan of opening a gap between Flers and Coucelette and completing his breakthrough. The advance on Flers and the surrounding area would, however, prove to be a difficult challenge for both the men of the British 41st Division and their new battlefield weapons.

The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn, and you are in command. The rest is history.

Victory Medals: 6

1 Medal for each soldier unit eliminated.

2 Medals for each British Mark I tank eliminated.

The British forces gain 1 Temporary Victory Medal at the start of their turn, when one or more units occupy any German trench hex.

The four building hexes form a Turn Start Temporary Majority Medal Objective worth 1 Medal for the side that occupies the most buildings. The German player starts the battle with 1 Medal.

The British forces are racing against time. The German player may take a Victory Medal, instead of taking two command cards, when playing a “Recon” command card.

Special Rules

British player does the No-Man’s-Land shelling roll.

The British tanks are Mark I tanks. Use the Mark IV tanks as stand-ins.